Yes, travel to all the Airports of Haneda, Narita and Kansai are covered. See our blog for detailed airport access guides.

Does the JR Pass include the Narita Express (NEX)?

Yes, the Narita Express is included in the Japan Rail Pass and is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel into Tokyo.

Can I use the bullet train?

Yes, the JR Pass covers all bullet train lines. Take note that different train services run on the Shinkansen lines. The Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen Shinkansen are not included in the JR Pass but the Hikari and Sakura Shinkansen can be used instead on the same route.

Yes, the Haruka Express
is included in the Japan Rail Pass for quick access to and from Kansai Airport.

What does Shinkansen mean?

The Shinkansen is the Japanese word referring to the famous bullet trains that travel at very high speed. Using the JR Pass, you can travel on any bullet train line in Japan. Some restrictions do apply.

Can I travel to Fuji with the JR Pass?

The answer is, it depends. Fuji is a large mountain with many spots around it worthwhile visiting. We recommed reading:Itinerary tip: Mt. Fuji.

What is the Nozomi?

The Nozomi Shinkansen train service, is the fastest train service between Tokyo, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka and western Japan. The Nozomi is not included in the JR Pass but users can ride the Hikari Shinkansen service on the same route.

Can I use the JR Pass in Kyoto?

Yes, to a limited extent. JR lines run to the west and south of Kyoto, with access to highlights such as Arashiyama,
Fushimi Inari and Uji. Additionally, a local JR bus runs from Kyoto station to north Kyoto.

Can I use the JR Pass in Osaka?

Yes, the Japan Rail Pass can be used in Osaka. The city has an extensive JR Network. Which includes the JR Osaka Loop line, JR Yumisaki line, JR Kansai Line and many others.

Is the JR Pass valid on the ferry?

The Japan Rail Pass is valid on the JR Ferry to Miyajima. Other Ferries, are not included.

Validity related questions

When to order?

The exchange order voucher is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
You are free to activate your exchange order voucher in Japan any time within the 3 month time frame.
Therefore, we generally advise customers to consider making a purchase anytime up to 2 and a half months before their date of use.
Fore more detail, please see: www.jrpass.com/blogs/exchange-order-validity-period

Which lines can I use with Japan Rail Pass? Can I use subway and Metro?

JR pass can be used unlimitedly on Japan Railway Group operated trains, across the whole of Japan. This includes all JR Group Railways Shinkansen "bullet trains" (except any reserved or non-reserved seat on "Nozomi" and "Mizuho" trains), limited express trains, express trains, (Narita Express) and rapid or local trains (with some exceptions). Further information regarding validly can be found here: japanrailpass.net.
Subways and Metros are run by municipal and Japan rail pass doesn't cover them. For more detail, we would recommend reading our article Which lines does the JRPASS cover

What is the difference between the Green pass and ordinary pass?

There are many perks travelling by First class(Green Car), such as the green car seats on the bullet trains have more leg room space and are much more comfortable especially for travel long distance compared to ordinary seats. Furthermore, having a First Class (Green car) pass significantly increases your chance to reserve a seat when you take bullet trains.
For more information regarding Green cars, please see this link.

Does my child (under 5 years old) need the child pass?

For infants, Japan Rail states that they they may travel for free and do not need a ticket, but this also means that the infant is not entitled to a seat. In unreserved, reserved and Green Car carriages you may seat them in an empty space, but should the train be very busy or seat reserved/required, the infant will be expected to sit on an accompanying persons’ lap.
www.jrpass.com/blogs/japan-rail-passes-for-children.

The Japan Rail Pass can be activated up to 3 months after issue date. At point of activation it is possible to select a "Starting date" for up to 30 days in the future.

Can the JR Pass duration be changed?

Once issued, the ref="JR Pass">JR Pass duration can not be changed, please make sure to order the right ticket.

Eligibility related enquiry

Who can use the Nationwide Japan rail pass?

The Japan Rail Pass passengers must enter Japan with a temporary sightseeing visitor visa of 15 or 90 days duration. Passport holders from 68 countries will automatically receive this visa on arrival into Japan if entering for 90 days or less of non-paid activity. Other nationalities must apply for the temporary visitor visa before they arrive in Japan. Please see the visa guide at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information on the visa applications procedure.

The Japan rail pass will NOT be activated in Japan if the passenger is a visa holder of any other entry status or visa type regardless of duration.

Long term visas which allow to stay in Japan more than 90 days

Student visa

Permanent residency visa

Tokubetsu Eijuken holders (Special permanent residency visa)

Entertainer visa

Trainee visa

Working holiday visa

Military entry status

Any other visas which are not a temporary visitor visa with the purpose of sightseeing.
If you are unsure or would like confirmation of eligibility status, please contact us.

Questions after purchasing the Japan rail pass

Delivery

How fast is delivery speed for the Japan Rail Pass?

If you live in the UK, the US or Europe, most of the delivery time will be 1-2 working days after dispatch
Please check delivery speed here.

I haven't received the order yet. Help!

Please contact us replying your order confirmation email or contact JR Pass. We will deal with it right away!

How do you deliver the JR Pass?

We use both FedEx Express and UPS for fast, secure and reliable shipping.

Order related questions

Didn't include my middle name/ second surname. Is this problem when I activate my Japan rail pass?

Please do not worry. JR regulations state that only the first and last name should be an exact match as it appears in the passengers passport. There is no requirement to include the middle name, and it is optional. For further questions, please contact JR Pass.

Reservation related enquiry

Can I make reservation online?

Seat reservations generally can only be made inside of Japan after activate your Japan rail pass. Reservation in advance is only available for JR East area. We have some information on seat reservations here.

When are public holidays in Japan? and what does this mean for reserving train seats.

Trains can be very busy during public holidays and making reservations 2-4 days in advance is highly recommended. Note that the exact dates can change on a yearly basis. Public holidays are:
The New Year holidays (end of December to early January),
Golden Week (end of April to early May),
Obon season (mid August).

Do I need to make a seat reservation?

Seat reservations are free for all JR pass holders. While you can take a non-reserved seat, we recommend reserving a seat in advance.especially during the busy period or festive seasons. This way you are secure of seating and don't have to queue up on the platform beforehand. Some trains such as the Narita Express, Hayabusa and Kagayaki Shinkansen always need a reservation beforehand. Local trains do not have reserved seats. Also see: How to make seat reservations with the JR Pass

Cancel or Lost

Left your JRPass voucher at home

In order to activate your Japan rail pass, you must bring the physical exchange order. Due to strict Japan Railway rules, a scanned copy of your voucher , or our invoice, or order confirmation email is not sufficient to activate your Japan rail pass. You must bring the Japan Rail Pass Coupon with you to Japan and present it at the Japan Rail Pass counter. If you do forget it, please contact [email protected] and return your unused voucher when you come back from Japan for a refund minus a processing surcharge.
Please note that refund is only available by your ticket issuer. Please double check where you purchased your pass from then contact your travel agency.

How can I cancel/Refund my JRPass?

Cancellation before dispatch:
Please contact us as soon as possible with your order number. At our discretion, we offer a 100% refund for orders that are cancelled before we ship/dispatch your order.
Refund:
If your exchange order has not been activated, your exchange order can be refunded within a year from the date of issue. Cancellation fee will apply.
Please note that the refund can only be made on receipt of your unused tickets, the ticket has to be firstly be returned to our office in the U.K. (Please contact us with your order number on using contact form for the returns address and instructions.)

Lost activated Japan rail pass

If you have lost your activated Japan rail pass at one of JR stations, visit JR Lost and Found as soon as possible and report your lost pass. They should be able to help you to check lost properties. Unfortunately, once the pass is activated, refund/reissue are not available.

Lost your voucher

Unfortunately, you need to buy a new voucher. However, a refund is still available though it takes longer to process. In these circumstances we will declare your voucher as lost to Japan railway. Once they confirm the voucher has never been used, we will issue the refund minus a processing surcharge. This process usually takes approximately 6 months from the first date we declare it as lost. Please contact us using contact form below. Please note that refund is only available by your ticket issuer. Please double check where you purchased your pass from then contact your travel agency.

What to do in case of Lost Property?

If you've lost something on a Japan Rail train or at JR station, don't give up! It’s not guaranteed but it’s highly likely you will recover your belongings as long as you are still in Japan. Please note that we are not Japan Railway so that we are unable to check your lost property.
Visit the JR station lost and found as soon as possible. JR stores lost properties for a week. After this, belongings are transferred to the regional Police Lost & Found Centre where usually there is no English service available.
Before visiting the JR lost and found, make sure you know:

The date you lost your property

The train you took when you lost your property

Train number eg. Kodama 653

Departure and arrival station

Boarding/Arrival time

Train car number and seat number

Detailed description of your property

Item name

Brand, colour etc.

Be sure to include any unique characteristics rather than giving a generic description, this will ensure your enquiry has the greatest chance of success.